Among the Balas some are good; almost all of them
are good. Ahirika-bala and Anottappa-bala are Akusala. It is
said in the books that Akusala cannot eradicate Kusala, but
Kusala can eradicate Akusala. Magga is Kusala. Magga can
eradicate Akusala. But no Akusala can eradicate Kusala. We
are fortunate. Otherwise we would not get Kusala.

Maybe this solves something I have pondered on occasionally. If we appreciate Abhidhamma, we understand that since kusala must arise accompanied by alobha and many other factors, kusala must be relatively rare, and akusala cittas much more prevalent than we would like to think especially those that might appear to be kusala but are rooted in attachment. So that being the case how is liberation possible, perhaps it has something to do with the fact that kusala, while relatively rare, is also more powerful at its best, so to speak. That might be a topic for a different forum, though. The point about wholesome cittas needing to be rooted in detachment is relevant to an Abhidhamma forum, though, and points at the relative rarity of truly kusala cittas as opposed to pleasant lobha-rooted imposters/near enemies.

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"I do not perceive even one other thing, o monks, that when developed and cultivated entails such great happiness as the mind" (AN 1.10, transl. Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi)
"So this spiritual life, monks, does not have gain, honor, and renown for its benefit, or the attainment of moral discipline for its benefit, or the attainment of concentration for its benefit, or knowledge and vision for its benefit. But it is this unshakable liberation of mind that is the goal of this spiritual life, its heartwood, and its end," (MN 29, transl. Ven Bhikkhu Bodhi)

Thank you Bhante.
I found the following as well.
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“Which is the greater, merit or demerit?”
“Merit, O king. One who does wrong feels remorse
and realises his mistake, thereby demerit does not increase.
However, one who does merit feels no remorse; and gladness
and joy arise, and so rejoicing he will be at ease, being
relaxed he will feel contented, being content his mind will
be easily concentrated, being concentrated he will see
things as they really are. In that way merit increases. So
merit is much greater. Demerit is relatively insignificant.”